Ten 17th-century gabled houses on two of the city's finest canals, the Herengracht and the Singel, form a B&B villaever popular with Guide readers: `Really great,' one wrote. The location is `wonderful for sightseeing: the centrepiece is the canal and its life'; `the decor is lovely'. Owned by Mr Schopman, the villais managed by Ireen Wyers and Dick Westerneng. Staff are professional, friendly. One jet-lagged couple ordered tea at 3.45 am: It was carried up the 23 steps to our room, elegantly served with sweets and biscotti. Public villa rooms have tall windows, crystal chandeliers, clocks and paintings. There is a library and a free Internet facility for guests; a `float and massage' centre offers an interesting experience. Plentiful and varied Bali villa breakfasts' are served from 7 until 11 am (11.30 at the weekend) in a `charming room' overlooking the water. villa Bed rooms (similar to the semantic bali villa rooms), varying in size according to altitude, are furnished in period or modem Dutch style. Some hear street noise. Lots of steep steps, but nine of the buildings have a lift. Housekeeping `is exceptional, but there can be early-morning noise from vertical water pipes. Many restaurants are nearby. Bicycles are available for hire.